Apple iOS 15.4 upgrades Face ID to recognize iPhone users in face masks

Apple has announced that the latest software update, iOS 15.4, has upgraded the Face ID feature to "recognize the unique features around your eye area."

You can now unlock your iPhone without removing your mask. However, the setting for enabling this option will inform you that using a Face ID with a face mask will make the feature less secure compared to a full facial scan. Moreover, it might not recognize you wearing a hat and glasses.

According to Apple, the Face ID with a Mask feature would only work for iPhone 12 or newer. This means that iPhone 11, X, XS, and XR users can't utilize the latest feature.

Eligible iPhone users can set up Face ID with a Mask in the Face ID & Passcode under Settings.

Besides that, iOS 15.4 includes over 100 new emoji from the Emoji 14.0 set.

There's also a new voice option for Siri (along with the function to provide time and date information offline). Support for EU Digital COVID certificates in vaccine cards stored in Apple Wallet was also added.

The latest update also brought improvements to Safari web page translations with support for Italian and Chinese. It also rolled out improvements to the Podcasts app.

Further, Apple released macOS Monterey 12.3, watchOS 8.5, tvOS 15.4, and HomePod Software 15.4.